What is No Smoking Day?
No Smoking Day was first held in 1984, coinciding with Ash Wednesday. Since then, it’s grown to become a major health awareness day, supported by a mix of public health and voluntary sector organisations, including the NHS and the British Heart Foundation.
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness around the dangers of smoking and the health benefits of quitting. It is also another great opportunity to quit if you missed the ‘New Year, New You’ January quit season.
5 tips to prepare for No Smoking Day
1. Decide on a quitting method
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) comes in a lot of different forms. For example patches, gums, sprays, etc. so you can pick the method that suits you.
2. Tell people you’re taking part
Tell your friends and family about your decision to quit and take part in No Smoking Day. Telling those closest to you about your quit attempt can give you that extra bit of motivation when the going gets tough. It also means there’ll be people around you who understand what you’re going through as you attempt to become tobacco-free.
3. Find a quitting buddy
No Smoking Day is a national quit smoking awareness day, so you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re not alone when you’re taking part. Having a “quitting buddy”, who’s stopping smoking with you can act as a massive boost. They can give you guidance and support, and understand what you’re going through.
4. Try to stay away from anything smoking-related
Once you’ve decided to give up for No Smoking Day, removing anything that you associate with smoking from your home could help to keep your mind off cigarettes.
Empty your ashtrays and hide them in a cupboard and make sure there are no lighters or matches lying around. And if you smoke in your car, then don’t forget to give that the once-over too. Using air fresheners can remove the smell of smoke so you can start afresh on March 10th.
5. De-stress
Mentally preparing for quitting smoking is another important step in the run-up to No Smoking Day. Smoking is highly addictive, so quitting is a very difficult task. When you first stop smoking, cravings can be very powerful, and you may feel overwhelmed or stressed. Try to focus on the positive reasons for quitting smoking, like improving your health and saving money.
It’s also important to bear in mind that cravings are only temporary, and that in the long run you’re actually likely to feel less stressed when you’ve quit smoking. Read Nicorette’s full guide on how to manage stressful situations when you’re quitting.